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Complex Sentences and Modality

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Complex Sentences and Modality

A local news team is preparing a report about a proposed ban on single-use drink cups at community events. Use the briefing below to analyse how complex sentences connect ideas and how modal verbs express possibility, ability, advice or obligation. Then edit and write sentences for the report.

The cup-free event proposal

The council is considering a trial at weekend markets. Because many disposable cups are used at busy events, organisers may provide reusable cups instead. Visitors could borrow a cup when they arrive and return it before leaving. Although the trial would reduce rubbish, some stallholders might worry about washing and storage. If the council supplies enough return bins, the system should be easier to manage. Organisers must explain the deposit process clearly, since visitors need to know how to get their money back. The council will review the results after three months before it decides whether to expand the trial.

1.In “Although the trial would reduce rubbish, some stallholders might worry about washing and storage”, identify the subordinating conjunction and the subordinate clause.

2.Match each subordinating conjunction from the briefing to the relationship it signals.

because
when
although
if
before
since

contrast
condition
time
reason
time
reason

3.In “Organisers must explain the deposit process clearly”, what does must express? Choose the best answer.

Possibility
Ability
Strong obligation
Permission

4.Classify each modal verb from the briefing by its main meaning in context: may, could, might, should, must.

5.Compare “The system is easier to manage” with “The system should be easier to manage.” What does should add to the second statement?

6.Combine these ideas into one grammatically correct complex sentence using although: “The trial may reduce waste. Some stallholders are concerned about extra work.” Keep may in your sentence.

7.Complete the advice to stallholders with a modal that expresses recommendation: “Stallholders label the return bins clearly.”

8.Rewrite this sentence with correct capitalisation and punctuation: “if visitors return their cups the organisers can reuse them”

9.Rewrite “The council will expand the trial” so it expresses possibility rather than certainty. Use may or might.

10.Write one complex sentence about the cup trial. Include a subordinating conjunction that shows contrast or condition and a modal verb that expresses possibility. Your sentence must make sense in the proposal context.

11.The draft says: “Because the trial is popular, the council must continue it.” Explain why the conclusion may be too strong, then revise it using a modal that better reflects an undecided proposal.

Quick check

Before submitting, check that your complex sentences have a clear relationship between clauses, that subordinate clauses are punctuated correctly, and that each modal expresses the strength or attitude you intend.